Remember to Set Your Clocks Forward

NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA - The first day of spring is March 20th, but before we can enjoy the new season, we need to spring forward for daylight saving time.

Remember to reset your clocks an hour ahead before waking up tomorrow.

Besides being a time where we lose an hour of sleep, Marion County Fire Rescue is encouraging residents to take a few extra minutes to also change batteries in smoke alarms.

They suggest changing batteries in smoke detectors twice a year, so the time switch serves as an easy reminder.

Some tips provided by MCFR:

- According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly two-thirds of home fire deaths from 2005 to 2009 occurred in homes where there were either no smoke alarms at all or the ones in place did not work. Sadly, most smoke alarms don’t work because of missing, dead or disconnected batteries or poor maintenance.

- Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.

- Never “borrow” a battery from your smoke alarms because you will likely forget to replace it.

- Install at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your home, inside every sleeping area and in common areas such as hallways and living rooms.

- Mount smoke alarms four to 11 inches from the ceiling on walls or on the ceiling.

- Don’t install smoke alarms near windows, in corners, outside doors or near air ducts where drafts might interfere.

- Brainstorm a fire escape plan and practice it with your family at least twice a year, identifying two exits from every room and establishing a safe meeting place outside